On May 29, an event titled "International Children's Recitation of Chinese Poetry" was held in Beijing. Students from five international schools in Chaoyang—Fang Cao Di International School, the Canadian International School of Beijing, AISB-Hope International School, the Western Academy of Beijing, and AISL Harrow Beijing—gathered together to welcome the upcoming International Children's Day by reciting Chinese poems.

A photo taken during the event

[Photo via the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries]

At the event, 123 children from 41 countries presented delightful recitations centered around the themes: "Childhood in Poetry", "Seasons in Poetry", and "China in Poetry", conveying the beauty of classical Chinese poetry.

Children performing wonderful recitations at the event 

[Photo by Li Jinmei]

Anna Hua Pfadler from Germany dressed in traditional hanfu

[Photo by Li Jinmei]

"Chinese poetry is so much fun! Our teachers at school teach us about them," said Anna Hua Pfadler, a German girl from the Western Academy of Beijing, based on her learning experience. "This time I recited Old Song of the Bright Moon (古朗月行). The poem sounds beautiful, but it was a bit difficult, taking me several weeks to memorize it."

Albert Busch from Australia

[Photo by Li Jinmei]

Speaking about Ode to the Willow (咏柳), which he recited, Albert Busch, a student from the Western Academy of Beijing, said: "The first verse is my favorite—'The slender tree is dressed in emerald all about.' I think when willow trees turn green and bright in spring, they really do look like tiny pieces of jade."

Through classical Chinese poetry, the event invited children from around the world to explore the charm of Oriental aesthetics through the recitation of timeless verses. Immersed in the rhythm and cadence of Chinese poetry, they gained a deeper knowledge of the richness and depth of Chinese culture.

(Source: CRI Online)